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PETE MARTINI
http://159.54.226.83/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070929/COLUMN0305/709290341/1128/SPORTS
September 29, 2007
There have been several themes to this NFL season, but one sticks out to me -- turning back the clock.
No, I don't mean those hideous throwback uniforms worn by the Steelers, Eagles and Commanders. I'm talking about Terrell Owens and Randy Moss.
The two former Pro Bowl wide receivers, who have had a host of problems the past few seasons, are fantasy dreams this season.
Through three games, Owens has 16 catches for 329 yards and three touchdowns for the unbeaten Cowboys. After a solid first year in Dallas (1,180 yards, 13 touchdowns), he is on pace for a career-high 1,755 yards and 16 touchdowns.
As long as things continue to go well in Dallas, Owens will have a tremendous year. But if the team struggles, Owens could turn into the off-field distraction that ended his tenure in San Francisco and Philadelphia. He still is a risk.
Moss has been much more of a surprise with the undefeated Patriots. With his 22 catches for 403 yards and five touchdowns, he already has more touchdown catches through three games this season than he had in 13 games last year with the Raiders.
He has shown that when he cares, he can be one of the top playmakers in the NFL. New England will dominate this season, which means Moss will have no reason to phone it in, and thus will have a stellar fantasy season.
Here are my predictions for top performers this weekend:
Quarterback
Tom Brady, Patriots: This isn't much of a surprise. He is off to a hot start in every category, including 10 touchdown passes, and the Bengals' terrible defense won't slow him down.
Running back
Willis McGahee, Ravens: He is ninth in rushing yards this season and has yet to find the end zone. That will change this weekend when he faces the Browns, who have the second-worst rushing defense in the NFL.
Wide receiver
Roy Williams, Lions: He is coming off two great games and he is facing the Bears' defense, which has allowed an average of 232 yards passing per game, and Dallas' Terrell Owens racked up 145 yards receiving last week in Chicago.
Tight end
Jason Witten, Cowboys: He had 90 yards and a touchdown last week, and is becoming a big part of the NFL's highest scoring offense.
Kicker
Jeff Reed, Steelers: He leads the league with nine field goals this season. He is facing the Cardinals, who have allowed the most field goals in the NFL with eight.
Defense
Ravens: The league's best defense is facing the Browns. Yes, Cleveland put up 51 points in week two against Cincinnati. But the Browns scored 31 points combined against the Steelers and Raiders.
Key injury
Steven Jackson, Rams: The former Oregon State player is out with a partial tear in his groin.
http://159.54.226.83/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070929/COLUMN0305/709290341/1128/SPORTS
September 29, 2007
There have been several themes to this NFL season, but one sticks out to me -- turning back the clock.
No, I don't mean those hideous throwback uniforms worn by the Steelers, Eagles and Commanders. I'm talking about Terrell Owens and Randy Moss.
The two former Pro Bowl wide receivers, who have had a host of problems the past few seasons, are fantasy dreams this season.
Through three games, Owens has 16 catches for 329 yards and three touchdowns for the unbeaten Cowboys. After a solid first year in Dallas (1,180 yards, 13 touchdowns), he is on pace for a career-high 1,755 yards and 16 touchdowns.
As long as things continue to go well in Dallas, Owens will have a tremendous year. But if the team struggles, Owens could turn into the off-field distraction that ended his tenure in San Francisco and Philadelphia. He still is a risk.
Moss has been much more of a surprise with the undefeated Patriots. With his 22 catches for 403 yards and five touchdowns, he already has more touchdown catches through three games this season than he had in 13 games last year with the Raiders.
He has shown that when he cares, he can be one of the top playmakers in the NFL. New England will dominate this season, which means Moss will have no reason to phone it in, and thus will have a stellar fantasy season.
Here are my predictions for top performers this weekend:
Quarterback
Tom Brady, Patriots: This isn't much of a surprise. He is off to a hot start in every category, including 10 touchdown passes, and the Bengals' terrible defense won't slow him down.
Running back
Willis McGahee, Ravens: He is ninth in rushing yards this season and has yet to find the end zone. That will change this weekend when he faces the Browns, who have the second-worst rushing defense in the NFL.
Wide receiver
Roy Williams, Lions: He is coming off two great games and he is facing the Bears' defense, which has allowed an average of 232 yards passing per game, and Dallas' Terrell Owens racked up 145 yards receiving last week in Chicago.
Tight end
Jason Witten, Cowboys: He had 90 yards and a touchdown last week, and is becoming a big part of the NFL's highest scoring offense.
Kicker
Jeff Reed, Steelers: He leads the league with nine field goals this season. He is facing the Cardinals, who have allowed the most field goals in the NFL with eight.
Defense
Ravens: The league's best defense is facing the Browns. Yes, Cleveland put up 51 points in week two against Cincinnati. But the Browns scored 31 points combined against the Steelers and Raiders.
Key injury
Steven Jackson, Rams: The former Oregon State player is out with a partial tear in his groin.